COMMISSIONER'S COLUMN

This spring, “break” away from life’s everyday hassles by immersing yourself in the sights, sounds and pageantry of Carnival in St. Thomas feasting on delicious local dishes prepared by talented chefs on St. Croix or savoring the sweet sounds of blues amidst a tranquil tropical setting on St. John. The VI Carnival, St. Croix Food & Wine Experience and St. John Blues Festival are just three of the many annual events taking place throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands in March and April.

For those who plan to visit us in the summer, the Department of Tourism is offering an opportunity to save 50 percent off the price of a hotel room, plus $200 in savings on dining and activities. Read below for details about the USVI Family Fun package and more!

Here’s a glimpse at the activities in store for March and April:

Arts Alive, St. Thomas

The Arts Alive concerts take place each month at St. Thomas’ Tillett Gardens in the Tutu area across from the Four Winds Plaza. Before each concert visitors can enjoy ‘the Prelude’ from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., which includes live local jazz and tapas for $25. Concerts start at 8 p.m. and concert tickets are $30. (Concert and ‘Prelude’ together is $55.) This month’s concerts take place on March 3, featuring folk singer/songwriter Tim O’Brien, and April 14, featuring classical violinist and pianist Bella Hrisova. For more information, call (340) 776-8566 or visit www.tillettgardens.com.

Yacht Haven Grande Farmers Market, St. Thomas

On March 7 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., residents and visitors alike will gather at Yacht Haven Grande mega yacht marina to peruse and purchase the bountiful harvests of St. Thomas’ local farmers. To find out more, call (340) 774-9500.

Yacht Haven Grande Spring Jam Concert, St. Thomas

On March 7, Jamaican-American reggae artist and rapper Sean Kingston will perform live at Yacht Haven Grande. Opening acts include Cool Session Band and Ward Lincoln. Tickets are $35 in advance and $50 at the gate. Gates open at 7 p.m. For more information call (340) 774-9500.

Candlelight Concert, Estate Whim, St. Croix

Twice per month, the series features world-class classical music performances under the candlelit chandelier in the Whim Plantation Museum Greathouse. Concerts on March 12 and 13 will showcase performances by Bjorn Ranheim on the cello and Calin Lupanu on the violin. Concerts on April 9 and 10 will feature violinist Katherine Collins and pianist Paul Vasile. The performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and cost between $15 and $30. Call (340) 772-0598 or visit www.stcroixlandmarks.com to learn more.

41st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, St. Croix

St. Croix’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes place on March 13. The tradition began in 1969 and remains an important day for the community, beneficiaries and tourists. For more information, call (340) 718-6106 or visit www.stpatricksdayparadesstcroixvi.com/.

8th Annual St. John Blues Festival, St. John

The St. John Blues Festival takes place every spring at venues throughout the town. From March 17 through 21, patrons will savor the sounds of Deanna Bogart, The Ford Blues Band, E.G. Kight, Shakura S'Aida, J.T. Lauritsen, Washboard Jo, JP Soars & The Red Hots and The Ty Curtis Band. Tickets cost $25 in advance and $30 at the gate. Children 18 and under are free. For more information, please call (340) 693-8120 or visit www.stjohnbluesfestival.com.

Art Thursdays, St. Croix

Once a month (March 18 and April 8) the St. Croix art community extends an invitation to the public to come out and be a part of the art community through a series of gallery walks. Learn more at www.gotostcroix.com/art/index.php.

Grow and Learn, St. George Village Botanical Garden, St. Croix

St. George Village Botanical Garden's series of hands-on workshops are held on the third Friday of each month (March 19 and April 16) in the Pavilion at the Bodine's Visitors Center from 3 – 5 p.m. Past workshops include learning how to properly prune plants and making tequila from agave. The fee is $5 for members and $15 for non-members. Call (340) 692-2874, or visit www.sgvbg.org for more information.

Sunset Jazz, Frederiksted, St. Croix

On the third Friday of each month (March 19 and April 16), the Fort Frederik Beach in Frederiksted features live music from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunset Jazz concerts are free and guests can buy food and drinks from the concert concession area. For more information, call (340) 772-0069.

37th International Rolex Regatta, St. Thomas

The International Rolex Regatta is a high point for yachtsmen and yachtswomen from around the world. The race, known as the "Crown Jewel of the Caribbean,” takes place from March 26 to 28. To learn more, please call (340) 775-6320 or visit www.rolexcupregatta.com.

Yacht Haven Grande Full Moon Jazz on the Green, St. Thomas

Listen to local and visiting jazz artists under the glow of a full moon on March 27 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on the Wikked Lawn. Admission is free. To find out more, call (340) 774-9500.

Black Violin, Reichhold Center, St. Thomas

Black Violin is a hip hop duo comprised of Kev Marcus, a violinist, and Wil B. who plays the viola. These classically trained musicians are three-time winners of the Apollo Theater competition, and winners of “America’s Got Talent.” Their music ranges from covers of the Fugees to Cold Play and Bach. Their March 27 performance begins at 7 p.m. For more information visit www.reichholdcenter.com.

Yacht Haven Grande Farmers Market, St. Thomas

On April 4 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., residents and visitors alike will gather at Yacht Haven Grande mega yacht marina to peruse and purchase the bountiful harvests of St. Thomas’ local farmers. To find out more, call (340) 774-9500.

Starving Artists Day, Frederiksted, St. Croix

Held twice each year in the grounds of the Whim Museum, this fun family day brings the grounds to life with local arts and crafts vendors. The festival also features Crucian food and drink, local plants and produce stalls and live musical performances and DJ sets. The event takes place on April 11 and begins at 10 a.m. For more information, please call (340) 772-0598 or visit www.stcroixlandmarks.com.

Virgin Islands Carnival, St. Thomas

This highly-anticipated annual cultural event spans a three-week period from April 11 to May 1 featuring Carnival Queen and Prince and Princess Competitions, Calypso, Steelpan and Soca performances, a cultural food and crafts fair, carnival rides, street parties, boat races and much more. The festivities culminate with the Children and Adults’ Parades replete with mocko jumbies and costumed dancers, followed by a fireworks display overlooking picturesque St. Thomas harbor. For more information and a full schedule of activities, please visit www.vicarnival.com.

2010 St. Croix Food & Wine Experience, St. Croix

This annual festival showcases the diverse cuisine and wine available on the island of St. Croix. The multi-day event takes place from April 13 to18 and includes gourmet dinners, wine seminars, wine auctions and the annual culinary competition, “A Taste of St. Croix.” The week’s events benefit the St. Croix Foundation (www.stxfoundation.org), a non-profit community foundation that administers a number of local programs. To learn more, visit www.stcroixfoodandwine.com.

St. Thomas Spring Yacht Show and Marine Trade Show

The Virgin Islands Charter Yacht League will host this year’s two-day event on April 14 and 15 at Yacht Haven Grande with a social gathering on the evening of the 14th for all participants and guests. For more information, visit www.vicl.org.

Women’s Coalition 18th Annual Tennis Classic, St. Croix

From April 14 to18, the annual Tennis Classic will take place to benefit The Women’s Coalition of St. Croix, which provides crisis intervention services and counseling for victims of domestic crimes. Call (340) 773-9272 or visit www.wcstx.com to find out more.

10th Annual Taste of St Croix, Divi Carina Bay, St. Croix On April 15, chefs from the island's many restaurants will compete at Divi Carina Bay in “A Taste of St. Croix” to win top food honors in seven categories. Meanwhile, St. Croix's three main wine and spirit distributors will be on hand to provide beverage tastings. The winners, as judged by a panel of food critics and experts, are announced the same evening during a prize ceremony. The event runs from 6 – 9 p.m. and tickets cost $85. For more information, go to www.atasteofstcroix.com.

Earth Day Fair, St. John

The annual Earth Day Environmental Fair takes place on April 22 at the National Park Service ball field in Cruz Bay. Children are invited to learn about alternative energies, landscaping with native plants and participate in mock archeology digs through exciting hands-on teaching demonstrations. Visit www.friendsvinp.org to learn more.

Each month, join us weekly for:

Live Music at Salud! Bistro, St. Croix

Every Friday and Saturday night, guests are invited to live music while enjoying delicious Spanish and Mediterranean-influenced food from 7 to10 p.m. Salud! is located just a few minutes west of Christiansted in Princess Plaza. For more information, call (340)718-7900 or visit www.saludbistro.com.

Live Jazz, St. Croix

Enjoy live music from the gazebo and delightful dinner specials at Sand Castle on the Beach in Frederiksted every Saturday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Experience “Iguana Lounge” for hot and cold tapas with vibrant sunsets, trade winds and freshly prepared foods. For more information, call (340) 772-1205 or visit www.sandcastleonthebeach.com.

 Weekly Yoga Classes, VISFI, St. Croix

The Healing Collective at the Virgin Islands Sustainable Farm Institute offers yoga each Sunday at the community center. Classes take place at 9:30 a.m. and $10-15 donations are appreciated. For more information, call (340) 332-8255 or visit www.visfi.org.

Some exciting news from our shores:

Concordia’s Innovative Studios Ready for Winter Vacations, St. John

The newest eco-resort, Estate Concordia Preserve, has spent the last several months constructing the first four of the fifteen Concordia Eco-Studios. All new Concordia units, built with the SIPS (Sustainable Insulated Panel Systems) panels minimize waste and ensure a high insulation value. Now completed and situated in the lush, natural environment of St. John, the Eco-Studios are designed to qualify as Energy Star Rated Homes and are the first buildings to apply for certification by the Island Green Builders Association. Concordia’s first four units are available for spring vacations. For more information, please visit www.maho.org .

Virgin Islands Ecotours of Hassel Island, St. Thomas

Since November 2009, Virgin Islands Ecotours has been offering visitors the opportunity to experience the previously inaccessible, historic Hassel Island. The “Kayak, Hike & Snorkel to Historic Hassel Island” tours let visitors explore Danish and Napoleonic era forts and ruins of the 19th century marine railway. The tour begins with a 20-minute kayak ride, where guests enjoy the beautiful beaches and reefs lining the scenic route. The tour goes on to lead guests ashore to learn more about the history of the ruins, and concludes with a snorkel excursion along the reef. Three-hour and five-hour tours are available and prices include kayaking and snorkeling equipment and instruction. For more information and reservations, go to www.viecotours.com or call (340) 779 -2155.

Special Promotions:

USVI “Family Fun” Promotion

Families love the U.S. Virgin Islands, where summer fun is available for less. With the Department of Tourism’s new Family Fun promotion, mom, dad and the kids can explore the many adventures to be had in St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas. When parents reserve one two-person room, they receive 50 percent off the price of a second room for the kids. The package also includes $200 in certificates for restaurants and activities such as shopping, golf, spa services and sailing.

The Family Fun package is bookable through May 31, 2010 for travel between June 1 and August 31, 2010. The package is based on a five-night minimum stay with double occupancy per room, applies to new bookings only and cannot be combined with other promotions. Blackout dates may apply. The Family Fun package can be booked by contacting your favorite travel agent.

Hotels participating in the Family Fun promotion include: Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, Marriott Frenchman’s Reef, Point Pleasant Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Sapphire Beach Resort, Secret Harbour Beach Resort and Windward Passage Hotel on St. Thomas; The Buccaneer, Carambola Beach Resort & Spa, Chenay Bay Beach Resort, Club St. Croix, Divi Carina Bay Resort & Casino, Hibiscus Beach Resort, Hotel Caravelle, The Palms at Pelican Cove, Sand Castle on the Beach and Tamarind Reef Hotel on St. Croix; Concordia Eco-Tents, Maho Bay Camps and The Westin St. John Resort & Villas on St. John.

Explore the "INNtimate Treasures" of the U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands invites travelers to enjoy the unique charm of Thomas, St. John and St. Croix with a more personal and customized experience than ever, thanks to the INNtimate Treasures package.

The package includes $50 in attractions and activity coupons, and a $50 dining certificate along with an eco-friendly, USVI-branded gift bag that includes a bottle of Cruzan Rum, and a USVI-branded t-shirt. The INNtimate Treasures promotion is based on a four-night minimum stay and will end when all available packages are sold.

Hotels participating in the INNtimate Treasures promotion include: Coconut Coast Villas, Estate Concordia Preserve and Harmony Studios on St. John; Arawak Bay: The Inn at Salt River, Carrington’s Inn, Club St. Croix and Colony Cove (Antilles Resorts), Company House Hotel, Frederiksted Hotel, Hibiscus Beach Resort, Holger Danske Hotel, Hotel Caravelle, Hotel on the Cay, King Christian Hotel, The Palms at Pelican Cove, Sand Castle on the Beach, Tamarind Reef Hotel and Villa Greenleaf on St. Croix; At Home in the Tropics Bed & Breakfast, Galleon House, The Green Iguana, The Inn at Villa Olga, Miller Manor Hotel & Guesthouse, Pavilions and Pools (Antilles Resorts), Pineapple Village Villas, Sapphire Village, Crystal Cove and Watergate on St. Thomas and Virgin Islands Campgrounds on Water Island.

The INNtimate Treasures package applies to new bookings only. Reservations can be made through any travel agent or directly through the participating hotels’ reservation desks.

For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to VisitUSVI.com. When traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. citizens enjoy all the conveniences of domestic travel – including on-line check-in – making travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands easier than ever. As a United States Territory, travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands does not require a passport from U.S. citizens arriving from Puerto Rico or the U.S. mainland. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are the same as for entering the United States from any foreign destination. Upon departure, a passport is required for all but U.S. citizens.

We look forward to welcoming you to our dynamic islands!

Sincerely,

Beverly Nicholson-Doty

Commissioner

USVI Department of Tourism